Ford Plans Its Own Fleet of Self-Driving Vehicles

April 16, 2018 at 12:59 AM

Ford Motor Co. aims to launch the world’s largest fleet of self-driving taxis in 2021.

Jim Farley, Ford’s president of global markets, tells the Financial Times that the carmaker intends to own and operate the fleet itself, rather than sell robotic vehicles to ride-share/ride-hailing companies.

Farley did not describe the size of the fleet or indicate where it will be deployed. But he tells FT the autonomous cars will be used to carry people and cargo interchangeably.

In February Ford began testing self-driving cars in Miami in partnership with pizza delivery company Domino’s and logistics company Postmates. The vehicles are being used to provide automated deliveries of food and goods to consumers. Farley reiterates that the Miami test involves developing all aspects of a scalable business model.